How to Read Recycling Symbols — And Why Those Numbers Matter

When I visited my friend in Scotland, I was amazed to see how little waste from her family of four actually went into the garbage can. Besides their good habits of buying items with minimal packaging, their city offers comprehensive curbside recycling and composting — and it’s strongly expected that everyone know how to use them properly.

Here in the States, I’ve noticed much greater confusion when it comes to recycling, especially regarding the symbols on plastic containers. Those numbers inside the little triangle — aka Resin Identification Codes, or RIC numbers — usually range from one to seven, and sorting them properly is vital to keep larger batches of recyclables from being contaminated and sent to the landfill.

Here’s what those recycling numbers mean, plus more about what to do with plastics.

What Do the Numbers in Recycling Symbols Mean?

Those RIC numbers identify what type of plastic an item is made from, which helps consumers and recycling facilities sort them. But having a number doesn’t necessarily mean an item can be recycled.

In fact, those numbers have a bit of a nefarious origin, says Aminah Taarique-Sidibe, manager of End Plastics at EarthDay.org. In the 1980s, the plastic industry took the familiar paper recycling symbol and added a number into the middle. “This move was essentially a greenwashing tactic to make people feel good about plastic use, while very little plastic actually gets recycled,” she says.

#1 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

PET plastics, like drink bottles, are some of the most widely accepted and easiest to recycle plastics, often finding a new life as bottles, car interiors and seatbelts. Before putting them in the recycle bin, don’t forget to empty out the contents and remove the bottle tops.

#2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

More opaque and durable than PET, HDPE commonly makes up milk jugs, detergent bottles and shampoo containers. It is also widely recyclable, finding new life as pipes, recycling bins and outdoor furniture. Again, don’t forget to take the caps off before putting them in the bin.

#3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is commonly used in pipes, door frames, inflatable air beds and shower curtains. It is rarely recyclable curbside, because the dangerous chemicals in it require a specialist facility.”This is why such as high percentage (around 82%) of PVC waste worldwide ends up in landfill, with just 3% actually being recycled,” says Gareth Lloyd Jones, managing director at HIPPO waste management.

#4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

Usually used in plastic bags, frozen food packaging, shrink wrap and squeezable bottles, LDPE is also not accepted in most curbside programs. It’s especially important to keep it out of the recycling bin, since it jams machinery at facilities, causing major problems. There are drop-off points, however, at some grocery and other big-box stores.

#5 PP (Polypropylene)

PP makes yogurt, butter and other food tubs, as well as bottle caps, car parts and even some carpets. Depending on your area, you might be able to put it in the curbside bin, but double-check to make sure.

#6 PS (Polystyrene or Styrofoam)

Used in items like polystyrene cups, to-go food containers and styrofoam packaging, PS is extremely difficult and expensive to recycle, and is almost never accepted curbside.

#7 Other (Miscellaneous or Mixed Plastics)

This is a catch-all category for plastics that don’t fit into the other numbers. A common example is polycarbonate (PC), found in safety glasses, car parts and nylon. Other examples include reusable water and baby bottles, polycarbonate, compostable bioplastics and BPA-containing plastics.

“People often see this number and assume it’s recyclable because it has the recycling symbol,” says Jones, “however, these items tend not to be widely recyclable, especially those with mixes of plastics.”

Tips for Proper Recycling

Always check local recycling guidelines, since they vary widely based on facility capabilities. Some facilities even have apps that can help with this. Some of the most common recycling mistakes include:

• Not rinsing out containers. Leftover food and drink can contaminate a whole batch of recycling.
• Bagging recyclables. The bag can mess up sorting machinery, so place recyclables loose in the bin.
• Including items with grease, like pizza boxes, napkins and paper plates. Even though they’re made from recyclable materials, they can’t be recycled if they have greasy marks or food residue.
• Wish-cycling, aka putting items into the bin you’re not sure are recyclable. This can contaminate an entire batch of otherwise recyclable items, resulting in them being sent to landfill.

However, if your greater goal is to try to help minimize plastic waste, keep in mind that a better way to do that is to avoid buying products made of plastics in the first place, especially single use items, which account for roughly half of all plastics, says Taarique-Sidibe. “Plus food and drinks in plastic containers are often contaminated with microplastic particles which you then consume, so it’s not good for your health either to use plastics all the time,” she says.

FAQ

Can I recycle plastic without a recycling symbol on it?

It depends, but usually not. If a plastic item doesn’t have a recycling symbol on its packaging, it’s unlikely to be accepted at the recycling facility.

Do all recyclables have a recycling symbol?

Nope. Not all plastics have one, especially small items. Beyond plastics, other recyclable items, like glass jars and metal, might not have a symbol but can still be recycled.

Is all plastic recyclable?

Definitely not. Some types, like #1, #2 and #5 are widely accepted by recycling centers, but most others are not, for various practicality and cost reasons. In fact, less than 10% of all plastics ever produced have been recycled.

What happens if I recycle something that’s not recyclable?

Recycling something that’s not recyclable can contaminate entire batches of otherwise recyclable items, causing them to be sent to the landfill or incinerator, instead of being recycled. “Attempting to recycle thin plastic bags or shrink wrap is especially a major issue, causing damage to machinery at sorting facilities and causing costly delays,” says Jones.

About the Experts

• Aminah Taarique-Sidibe is manager of End Plastics at EarthDay.org, which has a goal of reducing plastic pollution by 60% by 2040.
• Gareth Lloyd Jones is a waste management expert and managing director at the UK-based waste management company HIPPO, where he has worked for 15 years.

Related

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• Think Adirondack Chairs Are Uncomfortable? You’re Using Them Wrong 
• Why You Shouldn’t Crush Aluminum Cans Before Recycling 

The post How to Read Recycling Symbols — And Why Those Numbers Matter appeared first on Family Handyman.

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